I’m a native Washingtonian and I have lived in Ward 5 for nearly 30 years. I have left the D.C. area on a number of occasions but have always found my way back to Ward 5. Whether West Virginia Avenue, Meigs Place, or Owens Place – Ward 5 has always felt like home. We’ve dealt with drugs, crime, police abuses, gentrification, neglect, being the dumping ground for all the services other wards didn’t want to handle, lack of investment, etc. You name it and there’s a good chance we have dealt with it in our ward.

We’ve even dealt with graffiti. After the Presidential election in 2016, it didn’t take long for the walls to become emblazoned with F*** Trump. That’s Ward 5 for you. However, what was spray painted on the driveway of Shalom on Brentwood Parkway should bring a pause to all Ward 5 residents. Amidst the rapid renovation and makeover of Ward 5 let’s take a minute to realize what this might portend. Jexit is a recently crafted slur against Jews. It mimics the term Brexit which is the combination of “British” and “exit”. This term refers to Britain removing itself from the European Union. That being the case Jexit implies just what? From that block? The city? The DMV?

With all of this rushing towards some predictable end, the questions I’m left contemplating are who’s going to bridge the gap between the residents who’ve waited for generations for change in Ward 5 and the newer residents moving in to the District? Who’s drafting the neighborhood integration plan…

A neighborhood integration plan would have predicted that, left unchecked, there were going to either be new elements coming into our neighborhoods or existing elements feeling preyed upon. At some point, it was going to manifest in some form of hate speech. No one seemed to be taking time to ensure that everyone understood that diversity makes any neighborhood better. It enriches the lives of everyone. Whether these words were scribbled by a passer-by, a long-term resident, or a new arrival to the community we must come together to protect ourselves from the vermin that would espouse such nonsense. As a journalist, I am one of the first to support the First Amendment right to free speech. However, I’m less protective of those that slink in the cover of darkness or under hoods.

If this is the path forward where we can expect racial tensions to escalate or someone is expecting long-term residents to adopt this mentality – count me out. If the ANCs, the Mayor, and our Councilman can’t come together and start carting a path forward to deal with the changing demographics – count me out. If we can’t prove that we’re not the one – count me out.

If we don’t stand up and flush this out or drive it so far underground, it never sees the light again then don’t be surprised when “Nexit” shows up.

]]>http://www.thedcvoice.com/count-me-out/feed/0We’re Going to Need More Wine – Gabrielle Unionhttp://www.thedcvoice.com/were-going-to-need-more-wine-gabrielle-union/
http://www.thedcvoice.com/were-going-to-need-more-wine-gabrielle-union/#respondFri, 18 Jan 2019 16:00:40 +0000http://www.thedcvoice.com/?p=40652Gabrielle Union is easily one of the most recognizable Black actresses of our time. From Bring It On to Being Mary Jane, she paved a path that took her from scene stealer to leading lady. We’re Going to Need More Wine is an autobiography of her life in and out of the spotlight. At first glance, Gabrielle’s story seems to be one of privilege. Black girl raised in a two-parent household in a predominantly white neighborhood and school who grows up to be a TV and film star. It was quickly revealed that there was so much more beyond the surface.

I was hooked after the first chapter. One thing I quickly learned about Gabrielle; she. is. funny. Usually women don’t approach divorce or infertility with humor. Gabby does it in a self-deprecating yet relatable way. It’s refreshing to see that even in her moments of strife, she didn’t allow herself to be stuck in grief. My favorite moment in the book was the description of her first husband’s proposal. I found myself laughing out loud on multiple occasions while reading.

Overall, I highly recommend We’re Going to Need More Wine. It is funny and retrospective in a way that most people wouldn’t expect from Gabrielle Union. Her film characters often give off a cold, snobby impression. She plays those roles so well it seems like that’s her actual personality. However, this book reads as if you’re immersed in girl talk with your sophsti-ratchet friend. Someone that can reflect on life lessons with humor and also hip you to the game so you don’t repeat her mistakes. If you choose to read this title, have your bottle ready. You will definitely need more wine.

Next Book: The Mother of Black Hollywood: Jenifer Lewis

]]>http://www.thedcvoice.com/were-going-to-need-more-wine-gabrielle-union/feed/0Sunset’s Moved into the Future and Bloomingdale Historic District is Ready for Next Phase of Developmenthttp://www.thedcvoice.com/sunsets-moved-into-the-future-and-bloomingdale-historic-district-is-ready-for-next-phase-of-development/
http://www.thedcvoice.com/sunsets-moved-into-the-future-and-bloomingdale-historic-district-is-ready-for-next-phase-of-development/#respondThu, 17 Jan 2019 20:00:32 +0000http://www.thedcvoice.com/?p=40655It was back to business in the District! The streets were treated with salt to melt the snow, in time for Tuesday night’s 5E Advisory Neighborhood Commission meeting.

With a lengthy meeting agenda, Commissioner Bradley Thomas called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm through the microphone. After roll call, with many motions to approve on the agenda, the election of Officers was lead by Commissioner Sylvia M. Pickney moving to select the following:

Commissioner Bradley Thomas, Chairman

Commissioner Diane Barnes, Vice Chairman

Commissioner Karla Lewis, Treasurer

Commissioner Nick Cheolas, Correspondent

Commissioner Courtney Segmen, Recording Secretary

The motion was agreed to select the Election of Officers by ANC Chair. To ensure the ANC doesn’t create liabilities for themselves the Chairman suggest considering Ms. Brooks status of Virtual Assistance as an independent contractor. Moving right along the agenda, next up, the Public Safety report. Which revealed a robbery at Compass Coffee, with a victim’s laptop being snatched. A concern coming from a resident of the community was “has the transition taken place?” Yes, last Thursday, January 10, 2019, according to the 3D officers.

The lengthy agenda included the Bloomingdale Historic District with development site located at 1634 North Capitol Street, NW, which was presented by Commissioner Lewis in support of the historic building. The project is currently in review before the Historic Preservation Review Board. The plans have been approved by the zoning commission, however the project development team must go before the ANC and community before receiving their building permits. The Historic Preservation Office (HPO) encourages ANC participation in the historic preservation review process. The Bloomingdale Civic Association did raise a concern about the amenities package that came with the zoning order. Despite the developers having wide support, they find themselves back in the historic portion of the site. The site will include retail with no alley access only pedestrian access with green roofs everywhere possible.

The materials have been selected and approved using standard brick for wonderfully detailed masonry building with stone bases proportional to the houses of the Northwest side of the site. “Can you let them know how many units will be in this building and how many parking spaces per unit?,” asked Commissioner Lewis. Jessica Bloomfield from Conde’ Nast stated that the plan was consistent with the approved Planned Unit Development Process (PUD). The approved PUD has between 85-95 dwelling units, with 41 parking spaces. “Are any of those units affordable housing?,” Commissioner Lewis asked. Ms. Bloomfield suggest that the approval is in compliance with the zoning regulations and 8% of the units being affordable. This is based on floor area square footage.

“What’s the status of the environmental cleanup?,” asked one Commissioner. The site will be dug up so most of the contamination will be taking out doing construction, according to the representative. They also plan to dig 18-20 feet deep. Another question was “who is the owner of the property?” Joe Manor according to the gas station representative. Commissioner Thomas opened the floor for questions from the community and one concern was “are they going to be accepting vouchers for low-income families?” As long as they have gone through the Inclusionary Zoning program and have a voucher, but the I Z program is required for approval with AMI at 80% according to the project development team. “Has the community benefit package changed since your changes?” According to the project team, “no it hasn’t changed.” Before the team could wrap up their presentation another resident stood up to ask “what’s the purpose of this presentation today? It’s just to do what?” Commissioner Lewis replied, they asked the ANC to present before the project development team goes before the HPO. She was not under the impression any votes were going to take place at Tuesday night’s meeting. The developers will present before the Bloomingdale Civic Association with anticipation of a vote.

Keeping in accordance with the agenda items, Sunset Liquor has requested modification of the settlement agreement. Commissioner Lewis received a request from the owner of Sunset Liquor to extend the hours of operation on Sunday’s from 12 pm until 6 pm. “Is the owner here?,” asked Commissioner Lewis. No owners were present at the meeting, however there were residents that lived in the community present. “My property is adjacent to the rear of Sunset Liquor and had the opportunity to talk to other neighbors who are opposed in the increase in hours in order to maintain our current quality of life,” stated one resident. They expressed there are four liquor stores within 1/2 mile radius of Sunset Liquor. According to the resident, Sunset Liquor is the only liquor store that is located right next to residential property. The other liquor stores are near commercial property. The residents believe with maintaining their current hours they can maintain their quality of life and are against the increase in hours.

Another concern coming from the community is that the liquor store is across the street from a park, however the Bates Civic Association did approve the extension of operating hours on Sunday. One resident event did a Google search to check the liquor store hours, and Big Ben Liquor hours of operation are 10 am until 10 pm on Sunday’s. They are opposed, because with the simple fact the owner couldn’t take the time or care to be at the ANC meeting. The discussion has been tabled until next months meeting. Meeting adorned.

There were screenings, people were running, dancing, rock climbing, face painting, and more for kids of all ages!

[See image gallery at www.thedcvoice.com]
]]>http://www.thedcvoice.com/something-for-all-ages-at-nbc-health-fitness-expo/feed/0North Michigan Park Community is Ready for the Pax Liquor Store Protest Hearinghttp://www.thedcvoice.com/north-michigan-park-community-is-ready-for-the-pax-liquor-store-protest-hearing/
http://www.thedcvoice.com/north-michigan-park-community-is-ready-for-the-pax-liquor-store-protest-hearing/#respondSun, 13 Jan 2019 02:53:55 +0000http://www.thedcvoice.com/?p=39936Ahead of the City’s Comprehensive Plan announcement, the North Michigan Park Community along with the Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5A are opposing the need for Pax Liquor Store in their community. The liquor store protest hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, January 16, 2019 and will be held at 2000 14th Street, NW at 4:30 pm.

]]>http://www.thedcvoice.com/north-michigan-park-community-is-ready-for-the-pax-liquor-store-protest-hearing/feed/0Under the Influencehttp://www.thedcvoice.com/under-the-influence/
http://www.thedcvoice.com/under-the-influence/#respondFri, 11 Jan 2019 16:00:59 +0000http://www.thedcvoice.com/?p=39625I want to start 2019 off by discussing influence. The age of social media has created a whole career out of having influence. Seemingly, regular people, even children, have become famous simply by giving their opinion on something. I hate the term “influencer” and I stay away from it like the plague. Largely because I can’t help but wonder what people’s true motive is. I have always believed that the only necessary influence is to make myself and my community better than it is. That’s something bigger than a paycheck can offer.

Something I constantly notice is the greed that often comes with influence. Once someone is paid to endorse products, their integrity often flies out the window. It’s unfortunate because consumers look up to “influencers” to avoid scams and still end up falling victim. It is disheartening to see a company have the ability to swindle people out of hundreds of dollars. It’s even more hurtful when the person that encouraged the purchase of said product turns a blind eye.

I challenge every “influencer” to be considerate of their audience. As creatives, we all want the ability to pay bills doing something we enjoy. However, integrity shouldn’t be compromised because of the possibility of a profit. It is vital to remember that followers and viewers are the people who put you in this position. They are the same people that can take it away. Be prepared to accept the responsibility that comes along with your influence. Otherwise, get ready for a quick rise and a hard fall.

Commissioner Clarence Lee opened the ANC 5D meeting with a customary word of prayer and off they went. The 30 plus constituents that attended the meeting at 371 Morse Street N.E. covered a lot of ground in a little over 90 minutes. Vowing to stay on task and on point the agenda moved forward aggressively.

This is but a snippet of the topics covered.

The standing presentations included the Public Safety Report by Officer Moore. Although he reported that the numbers were pretty similar to previous reports there was a noticeable emphasis on the West Virginia Avenue are. That may have been due in part to a recent spike of crime in that area as well as a murder in the 1400 block. The handling of how information on that crime was handled sparked a brief contentious debate between a constituent and a commissioner.

Moore was followed by representatives of the Executive Office of the Mayor, Dominique Chestnut and Ward 5 Councilmember McDuffie, Silas Grant. Grant spoke of McDuffie’s Racial Equity resolution. The resolution is designed at providing racial equity for all D.C. employees. Grant reported a series of training sessions that the councilman’s office has attended in this area. The training will be required for all D.C. employees.

Sidon Yohannes, Attorney, and David Bloom presented their request for a letter of support for a stipulated liquor license at Union Market. Yohannes and Bloom were quick to point out that they are taking over space in the market that the prior business had a liquor license. Constituents asked a number of questions on expansion, safety, and security with respect to the establishment. Yohannes and Bloom stressed the fact that La Jambe will only seat 12 patrons with no plans for expansion. Commissioner Lee encouraged residents to go take a look at the space.

It was during the election of officers that the true spirit and tone of this newly seated group of commissioners came through. “Unity”, is the word newly re-elected Chairman Lee replied when asked how he would lead this group of commissioners. Several constituents chimed in with whether this meant that the meetings would stay on point and focused. Lee took the opportunity to highlight how the current meeting was being conducted while Commissioner Blacknell strongly emphasized that meetings will stay on focus and on time.

Other topics of discussion included:

A new meeting calendar consisting of 10 sessions as opposed to the usual 12 with the stipulation that special meetings can be called at anytime

Meghan Murphy spoke of the need to support the Crummell School initiative to bring a community center to this space. This battle has been going for the past 4 years. “This is why I ran for Commissioner”, said Commissioner Ryan Linehan. We need more community space in Ivy City. We need job training, we need a library, we need a rec center he went on to say.

David Krucoff was the last speaker for the evening. Krucogg spoke briefly of his “retrocession” plan for the District. Retrocession is an incorporate all of the areas excluding monuments and federal buildings into Maryland. This is touted as “The only feasible solution for DC Voting Rights and Home Rule”.

If this was the opening session of the newly elected ANC 5D Commissioners, we are in for a very active and potentially productive year. Either way, The DC Voice will be there to keep you informed.